5 common personal training mistakes

Make sure you’re on top of your game by avoiding these 5 common personal training mistakes.

Thought you had this PT thing down? Doing the same job day in day out can open the doors to a few common slip-ups. Don’t worry – they’re totally avoidable, once you spot them!

While a good PT knows what works and what doesn’t, the same workout does not suit everyone

1. Too much information
Ever heard the phrase ‘too much information?’. It’s used when you’re caught indulging in your own personal life a little too much. When you’re training a client, it’s important to keep things relaxed and friendly to make them feel comfortable, but don’t forget your boundaries. ‘Inevitable by the nature of the work, it’s important to gain an understanding of clients’ diets, work patterns, family obligations, sleep and so on, which are all aspects of lifestyle,’ says PTFindr personal trainer Brooke Ribbens. ‘But it’s essential to remain professional – these sessions are about, and for, the client, so PTs should keep their private lives to themselves except where relevant.’

2. Eyes off the ball
When working with a client who has experience in exercising and good body awareness, or perhaps a client who you’ve been working with for a while, it’s easy to assume your job is easier. But each client is paying you for your time and there’s always progress to be made, which means your focus needs to be on them for the entire session. ‘It’s easy to slip into bad habits or to become complacent when it comes to correct technique and form with a client,’ says Brooke. ‘Mobile phones should be left on silent and notes are an aid to memory not to replace careful preparation.’

3. One size fits allWhile a good PT knows what works and what doesn’t, the same workout does not suit everyone. Not only do goals and body types vary from client to client, but let’s also not forget the likes and dislikes of each. It’s important to make the workout effective, but forcing clients to repeatedly perform moves they despise is not going to keep them coming back for more. ‘Boredom can often be a barrier that we all face when exercising, so the best PTs will broaden their range of exercises to ensure a variety of sessions are offered,’ adds Brooke. ‘It’s also crucial for a PT to keep on top of new developments, training methods and studies.’

4. A guessing game
Remember, a client normally comes to you because they want something to change, be it their weight, strength or wellbeing. In order to ensure they’re on track to reach their goals, you need to keep track of progress. It’s easy just to keep an eye on them week by week, but it’s hard to really note change when you’re seeing them regularly. Simple test results can get the stats you need, so your clients can see the changes in numbers as they progress. ‘There are tests that can be both effective markers for progress as well as not too intimidating for clients at the outset,’ advises Brooke. ‘For example, you could try a basic CV test like a timed step session. It’s easily measured and can be returned to on a regular basis to help identify changes that need to be made or goals that aren’t being met.’ Other tests a PT might use are fat percentage measurements using calipers, or simply noting down the weights lifted in specific moves as the weeks go on.

You should decide upon short, medium and long-term goals so that a client’s efforts aren’t directed towards just one single point

5. Keeping it general
Of course, tracking progress is useful to see if goals are being met or are likely to be met. This is assuming that you and your client have listed aims and objectives for what your sessions are to achieve. ‘Goals are essential for all clients and should be set out after discussion at the start of a client’s relationship with their PT,’ says Brooke. ‘You should decide upon short, medium and long-term goals so that a client’s efforts aren’t directed towards just one single point.’ Short-term goals that can be targeted repeatedly throughout your time together are great motivators, and prove to the client that they can make small steps in a long journey. Be aware that longer-term goals can change throughout the course, as a client’s mindset and priorities shift.